Music

The Hives' singer Howlin' Pelle Almqvist offers to front AC/DC

by Jeremy Mersereau

Last week, we reported the sad news that AC/DC have been forced to stop touring due to the imminent danger of singer Brian Johnson losing his hearing. A statement from the legendary Aussie rockers noted that they’ll make the cancelled dates up later this year, “likely with a guest vocalist.”

Just who could step up and hope to match Johnson’s impressive pipes has been a subject of some debate, but a new, impeccably-dressed challenger has thrown his skinny tie into the ring: Pelle Almqvist, The Hives’ resident howling fount of charisma.

“Very sad to hear Brian Johnson can’t do a bunch of AC/DC shows due to health problems. That man is a legend,” Almqvist said on The Hives’ Facebook page. “I would like offer my sincerest well wishes and get wells. And if any help is needed I put my foot forward and say: HERE I AM!” Almqvist’s bona fides for the job: “I have many many years of experience rocking the world’s biggest stages, and according to others I am the greatest frontman in rock, plus judging from the reaction in Australia your crowd already seems to really like me.” He went on to state that he’s been singing AC/DC jams “since I was 6 years old.” Damn dude, don’t oversell it.

AC/DC has yet to officially respond to Almqvist’s offer, but they’ve got multiple candidates to sort through: Original vocalist Dave Evans has stated he’s also interested in the gig. You had your shot, Evans!